Illinois still leads Big Ten with six games to go

Six regular season games to go, and Illinois still leads the Big Ten baseball standings.

The Illini finished off a series win Sunday over Ohio State, meaning the Illini have a one-game advantage over Nebraska, Purdue and Indiana heading into the final two weeks of conference play.

1. Illinois (13-5)
2. Nebraska/Purdue/Indiana (12-6)

It’s tight!

So what’s left for the Illini?

A three-game set at Illinois Field against Iowa (12-8) before three games on the road at Purdue (which will likely be a HUGE series).

That’s all followed by the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha starting May 21.

Illinois hasn’t won a regular season Big Ten crown since its magical 2015 season when the Illini won their NCAA Tournament regional. Dan Hartleb’s team last made the NCAA Tournament in 2019.

This Illinois team has some pop in its bats, with three guys with at least 13 home runs (Ryan Moerman with 15, and Drake Westcott and Jacob Schroeder with 13). Camden Janik leads the team with a .379 average and 67 hits.

The pitching staff can still use some work, with a majority of Illinois’ starters having an ERA north of 4.00.

But with those big bats anything is possible.